Ishant has been ruled out of the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League due to an ankle surgery.

"There's no doubt about that...it's a big loss. We have to step ahead and fill the void by playing well," said White.

Australian White will be leading the side in Kumar Sangakkara's absence as the Sri Lanka is playing in a Test series against England.

Ishant, who was suffering from a bone impingement on his left ankle, underwent a surgery a week back. He played the four Tests in Australia but missed the tri-nation ODI series.

Chargers, who won the IPL title in 2009, will kick off their campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Vizag on April 7.

Chargers' coach Darren Lehmann too echoed White's views. But the Australian felt this wan an opportunity for other younger players to grab the chance.

“We will definitely miss Ishant Sharma (who will be out of action for the next few weeks because of a rehab programme). But this is another huge opportunity for the younger and inexperienced bowlers to make optimum use of the chances that come their way," Lehmann.

The fast bowler had been carrying the problem since the England tour last year. After rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, he was able to play the rest of the season.